My Story: He said “Yahi Zindagi Hai Ma’am”. If I Get Tired Who Will Care For The Family

Today evening, I met Jogen Rao, a rickshaw-puller who transports people in scorching heat of Delhi from morning till the evening in Lajpat Nagar. The man hailing from Bihar earns on an average Rs 300-400 daily. He has three kids — two daughters and a son. The first thing that I asked him when we got talking was “Are your kids studying?” He replied enthusiastically, “Yes ma’am. My eldest daughter is in class 4, younger one in class 2 and son in class 1. The eldest one is a first division holder.” I could feel the pride in his voice. ” Since my wife is not educated, we send her for tuitions for which I pay Rs. 400 a month,” he shared.

“Beta Beti mein koi farak samajhte ho kya? ( do you treat your daughters and son differently)” I asked him. Denying vehemently he said “No ma’am, all my three kids of are equal to me. I love the eldest one the most. She is very sincere. I hope I can educate them all and they stand on their own feet one day and become what they want to.”

Knowing his love for education, I asked Jogen if he was educated. He replied “I couldn’t study much ma’am. My father died early. So I left my studies in class 5 to take care of house expenses. I started working as a labourer. I wanted to study but responsibilities were there. I had three sisters to take care of. One elder and two younger.”

I was curious and asked him if his sisters also did not study. “I made them study. They completed their matric. And then I gave their marriage. In our community, we don’t get married until our sisters are married. So I managed it all. We spent Rs 70,000 on my eldest sister’s marriage.”

“So how much do you make in a month Jogen Bhaiya?” I asked. He said, “Ma’am, Rs 10,000 to 11,000 ban jaata hai. But I send most of it at home. I pay Rs 3,000 as rent of room I stay in. Apart from that I keep little for my food and send the rest home. I try and send them as much money as possible. If my family is happy I am happy. Aur kya chahiye (what else do I want) ”

I don’t do any nasha (alcohol) madam, he declared without me asking anything. “Bohot achcha Jogen Bhaiya” I smiled.

The journey came to an end. He showed me a slip of money he sent home recently. I asked him if he ever feels tired. He said “Yahi Zindagi hai ( this is life) ma’am. If I get tired who will care for the family.”
– Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj

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There Is Nothing That Women Cannot Do, This Women’s Day Spread The Message Of Equality

Little did the thousands of women who stepped out on the streets of the then Russian Empire know, that their protest would become the theme for women’s rights across the world, for eternity.

It was March 8, 1917, when women textile workers in Petrograd (capital of the Russian Empire) marched for their right to vote. Since then, the day is commemorated to celebrate women worldwide.

Russia’s February Revolution Was Led by Women on the March.Independent

A century later, have we progressed?

Yes, we’ve come a long way since the first women’s rights movements, but a long road still lies ahead.

Even in 2018, women do not enjoy equal status to men in all spheres. We still hear phrases like ‘don’t run like a girl’, ‘don’t throw like a girl’ or ‘don’t dress like a girl’. The ones making the statements remain ignorant to the fact that running like a girl is the same as ‘running like a boy’ – with all your might; throwing like a girl is the same as ‘throwing like a boy’ – with all your power; and dressing like a girl is the same as ‘dressing like a boy’ – in whatever makes you comfortable.

Women have time and again proved that they can do ANYTHING, and this video by ParleG aims to showcase just this. It is time we realised that women are capable of achieving great heights because #ZiddiChhoriya never give up.

Despite the hushed talks, the demotivation and the doubts, women have worked hard to become athletes, scientists, singers, poets, writers, chefs, army persons, and what not. In fields where they were not recognised before, women are making strides. Their determination and will power are making those who questioned them, question themselves.

What is it that women cannot do? From trekking Mount Everest to making beautiful paintings? As the video correctly portrays, #ZiddiChhoriya are representing India at international stages, playing drums, leading teams, and motivating others to do the same.

It is because of these women who show immense perseverance that other women are inspired to chase their dreams.

This Women’s Day, let us salute the power of women. Let us spread awareness about equality, and lead by example.